Stay Informed:

November 2 | Monday Message

Dear University School Families,

As we welcome November, there continues to be lots happening at University School!

This week, we are happy to welcome three teacher candidates from Mount Royal University (MRU) who will be joining us for their five-week practicum. Bridget McNeill will be working with Ms. Crawford-Sera in Grade 2, Eric Dyck with Mr. Pitts in Grade 6, and Karys Docherty with Ms. Hancock in Grade 1. Welcoming future educators into our school is always a positive experience. It provides an opportunity for our teachers to share their knowledge and experience, while also learning from the new ideas and perspectives that teacher candidates bring. We are excited for the learning and collaboration that will take place over the coming weeks. 

As we approach Remembrance Day, we are continuing to collect non-perishable food donations in support of the Veterans Food Bank. Thank you to the families who have already contributed. Your generosity is greatly appreciated, and we welcome any additional donations over the coming days.

A reminder that our School Council and Parent Association meeting is this Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m. We always appreciate the opportunity to connect with families, share what is happening at our school, and hear your perspectives. We hope you can join us!

Here's to another great week of learning and growing together!

Jennifer McTighe and Lori Bonanno

Please continue reading below for important school information, reminders, and upcoming dates.

 Student Personal Mobile Devices | Important Information for Families

We recognize that many families choose to have their child carry a cell phone or other personal device for safety and communication purposes while travelling to and from school, particularly when students walk, bike, take public transportation, or travel independently. We understand and appreciate the reassurance these devices can provide to both students and families outside of school hours.

In alignment with Alberta legislation and CBE Administrative Regulation 6008 – Student Personal Mobile Devices, personal mobile devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, and similar devices, are not permitted for student use during the school day.

These expectations are in place to support student focus, well-being, and a positive learning environment. As a school, we are required to follow and consistently reinforce these regulations.

Students who bring personal devices to school, including cell phones and smartwatches, must keep them powered off and stored away for the entire school day, including recess and lunch, unless specific accommodations have been approved by the school.

We also ask families to refrain from contacting their children directly through cell phones or smartwatches during school hours. If a student needs to contact a parent or caregiver, they can do so through the school office. Similarly, families needing to reach their child are asked to contact the office so we can help facilitate communication.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support in reinforcing these expectations with your child. By working together, we can help maintain a safe, caring, and focused learning environment for all students.

If you have any questions or require clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out to the school.

Student Participation in Annual CBE Student Surveys

Each year, Calgary Board of Education (CBE) students are invited to participate in surveys that gather feedback about their learning experiences, well-being, engagement, and school environment. Survey results help schools and the CBE evaluate programs, inform planning, and identify opportunities to better support student success and well-being.

CBE Student Survey

The CBE Student Survey is an anonymous, voluntary online perception survey administered twice during the school year. A shorter set of questions is administered in the fall, while the spring survey contains the full complement of questions.

Fall Administration: CBE Well-Being Student Survey

Grades 4–12 | October–November

Topics may include:

  • School connectedness and belonging
  • Positive relationships   
  • Feeling safe at school
  • Well-being and self-regulation
  • Awareness of self and others

Participation in these surveys helps the CBE better understand student experiences and identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.

Important Information About the Survey

  • Participation is voluntary.
  • Individual student responses are anonymous.
  • Students may skip any question they do not wish to answer.
  • Students may stop participating at any time without consequence.
  • Survey results are used for school and system planning, reporting, program evaluation, and continuous improvement.
  • Survey results are not used to make decisions about individual students.
  • School staff supervise survey administration to support student privacy and well-being.

To review sample survey questions, please visit:

CBE Provincial Tests and Reports

Consent for Student Participation

Consent for student participation in CBE surveys was collected through the Annual Authorization Forms in SchoolEngage.

  • If you selected Yes, your child may participate in applicable surveys.
  • If you selected No, your child will not participate in applicable surveys.       
  • If you have already completed the Annual Authorization Forms, no further action is required.

This information is being provided to all families as notification that the survey will be administered at University School.

Survey Administration Dates: November 19–24, 2026

If You Have Not Completed the Annual Authorization Forms

If you have not yet completed the Annual Authorization Forms, please submit your consent preference through SchoolEngage by:

Response Deadline: November 18, 2026

If you are unable to access SchoolEngage, please contact the school before this date for assistance.

If no response is received by the response deadline, parental consent will be assumed and your child may participate in the survey. Regardless of parental consent status, student participation remains voluntary.

Accessing SchoolEngage

SchoolEngage is available through your MyCBE account and is the same platform used to pay fees, view academic information, book conferences, register to volunteer, and complete annual authorization forms.

To complete the Annual Authorization Forms:

1. Sign in to your MyCBE account.

2. Select the SchoolEngage icon.

3. Open the Annual Authorization Forms.

4. Review and complete the required information.

5. Click Submit.

6. Repeat for any remaining forms.

If you do not have a MyCBE account, please create one through the MyCBE website or contact the school for assistance.

Upcoming Dates

November 4 – School Council and Parent Association Meeting

November 5 – Healthy Hunger Snack: Kernels

November 6 – Cross-Community Grade Buddies

November 8 – Diwali

November 10 – Remembrance Day Assembly

November 11–14 – Fall Break